Coherent scattering of low mass dark matter from optically trapped sensors

Abstract

We propose a search for low mass dark matter particles through momentum recoils caused by their scattering from trapped, nm-scale objects. Our projections show that even with a modest array of fg-mass sensors, parameter-space beyond the reach of existing experiments can be explored. The case of smaller, ag-mass sensors is also analyzed, where dark matter can coherently scatter from the entire sensor, enabling a large enhancement in the scattering cross-section relative to interactions with single nuclei. Large arrays of such sensors have the potential to explore new parameter space down to dark matter masses as low as 10 keV. If recoils from dark matter are detected by such sensors, their inherent directional sensitivity would allow an unambiguous identification of a dark matter signal.

Research campaign: Macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO)

“…Optically trapped particles may be able to detect dark matter [15] and exotic physics, especially when operated at [16,17] or beyond [7,8,9] the standard quantum limit. Attaining the requirements for achieving the primary science objectives of MAQRO (SO1-3) will enhance the detection sensitivity to sources of anomalous diffusion [18,19] to unprecedented degrees.…”

“…The technological readiness levels (TRLs) of key technologies need to be increased (see Fig. 1): (1) optomechanical cooling, (2) electro-optic modulators (EOMs), (3) near-infrared (NIR) lasers, (4) open-access cavities, (5) position detection, (6) a deep ultra-violet (UV) laser source, (7) fibers for deep UV, (8) fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), (9) homodyne detection, (10) a silicon-carbide (SiC) optical bench, (11) passive radiative cooling, (12) XHV pressure sensors, (13) low-temperature (low-T) sensors, (14) particle charge control, (15) Paul traps, (16) particle characterization, (17) storage, and (18) steering. If the optical bench (OB) is covered, the cover (19) and non-evaporable getters (20) have to be developed.…”

Snowmass 2021: Quantum Sensors for HEP Science -- Interferometers, Mechanics, Traps, and Clocks

“…In addition to their use in gravitational wave detection and precision measurements in metrology, optomechanical devices are rapidly being incorporated into the portfolio of detector systems useful for a number of high energy and particle physics targets. Building on classical proposals for neutrino and dark matter detection with nanoscale targets [147], proposals now exist to use optomechanical sensors for detection of ultra-light [29,[148][149][150][151], MeV-to-TeV scale [152,153], and ultra-heavy [154] dark matter (see [10] for an overview); neutrinos [155]; high-frequency gravitational waves [156,157]; fifth-force modifications to Newton's law at tabletop scales [158]; deviations from standard quantum mechanics [159] (including ideas about gravitational breakdown of quantum mechanics [160]); and tests of quantum properties of the gravitational interaction [161][162][163].…”

A background-free optically levitated charge sensor

“…In addition a typical signal arising from a permanent dipole moment of the order of O(100 e µm) has been added. While the particular magnitude is specific to the gradients in the presented setup, signals of this order have been observed in all techniques sensitive to the dipole moment of a levitated MS[21,23,47]. Based on the presented setup and estimated stray fields sourced by contact potentials of O(10 mV), an expected signal from the induced dipole at the driving frequency has also been added as a charge sensitivity contour.…”

“…Work with levitated dielectric microspheres (MSs) with masses in the range 0.1 ngto10 ng and force sensitivity 10 −18 N/ √ Hz can be applied to the investigation of phenomena beyond the Standard Model (BSM) of particle physics, including the search for a fifth-force at short range [13][14][15], the breakdown of Coulomb's law as a probe for a dark photon [16], high-frequency gravitational wave detection [17,18], and others [19][20][21][22]. Each such endeavor is eventually expected to be limited by spurious electromagnetic interactions, ultimately limiting its sensitivity.…”